Panama Hat Resizing?

[Marshall]

I've got my eye on a Panama on Ebay, though it will be about a size too small and a little shorter crown than I would like. It looks like it will need a new ribbon and sweatband, so I am curious about resizing potential. The hat has a lot of brim, is it possible for a hatter to increase the size and height of the crown by taking from the brim? I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to panamas, so input would be appreciated.

 

[Aureliano]

Yes, it's possible.

 

[1961MJS]

I've got my eye on a Panama on Ebay, though it will be about a size too small and a little shorter crown than I would like. It looks like it will need a new ribbon and sweatband, so I am curious about resizing potential. The hat has a lot of brim, is it possible for a hatter to increase the size and height of the crown by taking from the brim? I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to panamas, so input would be appreciated.

Hi

Let's analyze your statements. You want to buy a hat that's 1. Too Small; 2. Too short in the crown; and 3. Too much taper (Probably). Seems like you've talked your self into buying a different hat. Your hatter COULD do all of that stuff, but it's sort of like wanting a Station wagon, but buying a convertible and starting to convert.... Not worth the $ would be my input.

Later

 

[zetwal]

Possible? Yes, maybe. Desirable? In my opinion, no.

Unless there is something that makes it impossible, I would recommend buying a hat in your size with all the characteristics that you want already on-board.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

It will end up costing as much as one in your size that you will like better. That is my experience what you are wanting to do will cost you 80 to 90 buck. So you have to factor that into your cost and If it is vintage it would not be worth the cost.

 

[Iyor]

I don't think you can properly convert brim to crown.

 

[Aureliano]

I don't think you can properly convert brim to crown.

Not true. I had it done to a Montecristi. Twice.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

Not true. I had it done to a Montecristi. Twice.

I have also had my last Montecristi blocked so my brim was the length I wanted ......

 

[monbla256]

Unless you can get the hat for the proverbial "song" and it's maybe a Monti I would not do it. You're talking about basically rebuilding it and there are SOOO many new Panama's from other folks at the same if not less $s than you would spend on this one. Be patient, keep looking and one will appear that will be YOUR size and have the aspects you want

 

[Marshall]

Thank you for all the responses...

I'm still on the fence on what to do, since nice panamas don't come in my size (7 1/2) frequently. My other option would probably be to buy from Panama Bob, which I would probably send to Art Fawcett for the finishing work. For a nice weave panama I'm sure I'd be looking at $400-500 at least.

The panama on Ebay I'm looking at seems like it's going to go for a good price, which even with the $100 or so that it would take to have a new sweat and ribbon installed, plus a resize and reblock, it would still be far less than if I bought it new.

I haven't decided yet which direction I'm going to go, I sent the seller a few questions about brim width and weave count, which will be helpful in making my final decision. Thanks again for the input guys, I really appreciate it.